María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, has received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her long-standing work defending democratic principles in Venezuela.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award in Oslo, citing her efforts to unify opposition groups, promote free elections, and push for a non-violent transition to democracy.
“She is a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amidst a growing darkness,” said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the committee.
Machado, 58, has remained in hiding since the disputed 2024 presidential election in Venezuela. She was barred from running in the vote, which returned President Nicolás Maduro to office for a third term. Independent monitors and international observers rejected the election outcome, pointing to widespread irregularities.
According to the Nobel Committee, Machado met all the criteria set by Alfred Nobel, especially her use of democratic means to pursue peace and her ability to bring together a divided opposition.
She first gained prominence through the electoral watchdog group Súmate during the presidency of Hugo Chávez. Later, she led the liberal platform Vente Venezuela, calling for judicial independence, political freedom, and the release of political prisoners.
The Nobel Committee stated that Venezuela’s opposition had been systematically repressed for decades. It praised Machado’s persistence in advocating for human rights and institutional reforms, despite ongoing threats from the government.
In a video message released shortly after the announcement, Machado appeared emotional and surprised. “I'm in shock,” she said, speaking to Edmundo González, the opposition candidate who replaced her on the ballot. “Shocked with joy,” González replied.
Machado was briefly detained earlier this year after appearing at a protest in Caracas. Since then, she has operated mostly in secrecy. In a letter published in the Wall Street Journal, she wrote: “I am writing this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my fellow countrymen.”
The 2024 election, which Machado was barred from contesting, saw her endorse González, who went on to win broad support among voters. Despite independent tallies showing a win for González, the official result declared Maduro the victor.
The aftermath saw nationwide protests and a crackdown by security forces. Many in Machado’s team went underground. She refused to flee the country, continuing to coordinate resistance efforts.
“Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent,” said the Nobel Committee.
The 2025 award was selected from 338 nominees, including 244 individuals and 94 organisations. The Committee acknowledged other high-profile names under consideration, such as the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and aid groups operating in Sudan.
Before the announcement, US President Donald Trump had launched a public campaign to be considered for the award. Trump had expressed dissatisfaction over not receiving the prize in his first term, unlike Barack Obama. Committee officials denied any influence from political lobbying.
“We base our decision only on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” said Frydnes, responding to questions about external pressure.
Machado is Venezuela’s first Nobel laureate. Her ally González posted on X that the award was “well-deserved recognition for the long struggle of a woman and of an entire people for our freedom and democracy”.
The Committee said that democratic work in Venezuela remains dangerous, pointing to the threats faced by opposition figures and the use of state power to silence dissent.
“Machado stood up for ballots over bullets more than 20 years ago,” said Frydnes.
Previous winners of the Peace Prize include Nelson Mandela, Liu Xiaobo, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and Japan’s Nihon Hidankyō, which won the 2024 award.
Machado is not expected to attend the award ceremony in Oslo unless her security situation changes.
“Her cause is peace through democracy,” the Committee said. “And that work continues.”
HT
